Tertius Ordo Regularis Sancti Francisci
Secretarius Generalis
September28, 2014
Prot. Nº 66/2014
Subject:Death notice of Fr. Edward J. Sabo, T.O.R.
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of our brother
FR. EDWARD J. SABO, T.O.R.
Father Edward J. Sabo, T.O.R., died suddenly on August 22, 2014 while preparing to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at Saint Gerard Majella Church in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (MN). He was seventy-two years old.
Father Sabo was born on December 19, 1941 in Conway, Pennsylvania (PA), the son of Joseph and Mary Triska Sabo. He entered the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary in Hollidaysburg, PA in 1959. After completing one year of college studies, he entered the Novitiate of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Penance, Province of the Immaculate Conception, at Saint Bernardine Monastery on July 2, 1960.
He made his profession of First Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience at Highland Hall in Hollidaysburg, PA, in the hands of the Very Reverend Jerome Pechillo, T.O.R. on July 3, 1961. He then continued his studies there while residing at Saint Anthony Clericate, a part of the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary.
He received his Associate of Arts degree in June of 1962, and moved to Saint Thomas More House of Studies in Washington, D.C. where he continued his studies for the priesthood at Catholic University of America. In June of 1964 he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and on July 4 of that same year professed his Solemn Vows at St. Thomas More. He continued his theological studies and was ordained to the Priesthood on June 8, 1968 by the Most Reverend John Spence at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
His first assignment after ordination was as instructor at Saint Francis High School and as a chaplain at Saint Otto Home, both in Little Falls, MN. From September, 1971 until June, 1974, Father Edward served as superior of Saint Francis Friary in Warren, Ohio and as an instructor at John F. Kennedy High School, also in Warren. He then returned to Saint Francis High School serving as instructor and as superior of Saint Francis Friary.
In July of 1977, Father Edward was named the Associate Pastor of Saint Patrick Church in Inver Grove Heights, MN, where he ministered until May of 1982. He was then named the Provincial Director of the Secular Third Order (now the Order of Franciscans Secular) and moved to Saint Thomas More House of Studies. He continued in this role until May, 1984 when he was named Pastor of Epiphany of the Lord Church in Moorefield, WV. After two years he was named the Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Altoona, PA and then received an additional appointment in January, 1989, as chaplain at the former Mercy and Altoona General Hospitals.
He returned to West Virginia in 1990 to serve as Pastor of Annunciation Church in Fort Ashby, WV until 1995 when he was assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Stonewood, WV. In 2002 Father Edward was named Pastor of Saint Clare of Assisi Church in Johnstown, PA while also serving on the Provincial Council. In 2006 he was appointed Chaplain at Altoona General Hospital and resided at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Friary. He received what was to be his final appointment in July of 2010, faithfully serving as Associate Pastor at Saint Gerard Majella Church in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Fr. Edward was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his Franciscan Community and by his cousins: Charlotte (late Lelio) Iannessa, Baden, PA; Janet (Larry) Zigerell, Baden, PA; Edward (Janet) Beighey, Hopewell, PA; Richard (Betty) Beighey, Hopewell, PA; Joyce Ann Cranner, Rochester, NY; Fran (Robert) Mattauch, Richmond,VA; Laraine Parish, Richmond, VA; and Andrew Operchal, Conway, PA.
Friends and relatives were received at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Wednesday August 27th from 5 p.m. to 7:30. Father Edward’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 10:30 with lunch following. The burial took place at Saint Bernardine Monastery Cemetery at 1 p.m. Local arrangements by the Santella Funeral Home, Altoona PA.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Please offer the suffrages for the repose of his soul according to articles 61-67 of the General Statutes.
Fraternally,
Fr. Danijel Gornik, TOR
Secretary General
Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano - Via dei Fori Imperiali, 1 – 00186 Roma - Italia
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